Whoa, Dude—You Got a Notice from the California FTB? Here’s What to Do
So, you just got a letter from the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB, for short), and now you're wondering what’s up. First off—take a deep breath. Getting a notice doesn’t automatically mean you’re in trouble, but it does mean you need to pay attention. Whether they want more info, are adjusting your return, or saying you owe some cash, handling it the right way will keep things from getting gnarly.
Why’s the FTB Hitting You Up? Common Types of Notices
The FTB sends out different types of notices depending on the situation. Here are a few you might see in your mailbox:
🏄 Demand for Tax Return (FTB 4600 or 4601) – They think you should have filed a tax return, but they don’t see one from you. Time to prove you did or get that return in ASAP.
🏄 Notice of Proposed Assessment (FTB 7275) – The FTB believes you underreported your income or owe extra taxes. If you disagree, you gotta speak up before it becomes official.
🏄 Final Notice Before Levy (FTB 4983) – This is your last warning before they start grabbing your wages or bank funds. Not cool—handle it fast.
🏄 Notice of State Income Tax Due (FTB 4963) – You owe the state some money. Pay up or set up a plan before penalties pile up.
🏄 Intent to Offset (FTB 1100) – The FTB plans to use your state tax refund to pay off another debt, like back taxes or child support. Bummer, but not much you can do if the debt is legit.
🏄 Notice of Tax Return Change (FTB 5818) – They tweaked something on your return, which could mean a smaller refund or a surprise balance due.
🏄 Request for Taxpayer Response (FTB 4734D) – They think someone might be messing with your identity. You’ll need to prove you’re actually YOU before they process your return.
No matter what kind of notice you got, don’t just toss it in a drawer and hope it disappears—it won’t.
What’s the Game Plan?
1. Actually Read the Notice
Yeah, it’s boring, but you gotta know what they’re saying before you do anything else. Look for:
The reason they’re reaching out
Any deadlines you need to meet
What actions (if any) they want from you
2. Make Sure It’s Legit
Scammers love pretending to be the tax man. A real FTB notice will have an official letterhead and a specific case number. If anything seems sketchy, call the FTB at 800-852-5711 or check their website to verify the notice.
3. Figure Out Your Next Move
If You Owe Money: Pay it off if you can, or get on a payment plan before penalties and interest start stacking up.
If They Want More Info: Send them what they need before the deadline.
If You Think They’re Wrong: Challenge it! You can dispute the notice, but you need to provide evidence.
4. Keep a Paper Trail
Hang onto every piece of mail, email, and payment receipt related to your case. If things go sideways later, having proof of what you did can save you big time.
Feeling in Over Your Head? Points North Tax Has Your Back
Look, dealing with the FTB can be a major headache. If you’re feeling lost, frustrated, or just don’t have time to deal with this mess, let the pros handle it. At Points North Tax, we specialize in California tax issues. Whether you need to fight a tax bill, set up a payment plan, or avoid a bank levy, we know how to navigate the system.
We Can Help You:
✔ Understand what your notice means and what your options are
✔ Communicate with the FTB so you don’t have to
✔ Challenge unfair tax assessments
✔ Set up a payment plan or negotiate a settlement
✔ Stop levies and wage garnishments before they wreck your finances
Don’t Let the FTB Harsh Your Vibe—Take Action Now
The sooner you deal with your FTB notice, the better. Points North Tax is here to help you keep your money, your peace of mind, and your California dream intact.
👉 Hit us up today for a consultation and let’s get this sorted out!